Old Money Wisdom For Gen-Z
The Way to Wealth
by Benjamin Franklin
Wealth & Economics
TL;DR
This book is basically a masterclass in not being a broke loser by hustling smarter, not harder. It's all about cutting out the BS expenses, working your ass off when it counts, and making your money make more money instead of blowing it on dumb shit. Franklin's whole vibe is discipline and foresight – basically, don't be a clown with your cash, and you might actually build something. It's less about getting rich quick and more about slow, steady wealth accumulation through smart choices and consistent effort.
Action Items
Open your banking app. Find one recurring expense or recent purchase that was totally unnecessary. Cancel it or promise yourself you won't buy it next week.
Identify one task you've been putting off. Do it for 30 minutes, no distractions.
Check your upcoming bills. Make sure you have funds to cover them and set a reminder to pay them on time. If you owe someone a small amount, pay it back today.
Set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier tomorrow. Don't scroll social media; use that time for something productive or peaceful.
Look at your recent purchases. Did any of them feel like you were trying to impress someone or fit in? Acknowledge it and plan to avoid similar impulse buys next time.
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Key Chapter
Chapter - Your Time Ain't Free, Bro (aka The Value of Time)
Ever feel like you're just scrolling your life away? This chapter hits different, reminding us that every second you waste is literally money flying out your pocket. It's not just about clocking in; it's about recognizing that your time has an inherent value, whether you're working, learning, or even just chilling productively. Think of it like a limited data plan – you wouldn't just let it expire, right? So why let your precious hours vanish into the TikTok void? Invest your time wisely, because unlike your crypto portfolio, you can't get more of it. It's about prioritizing what actually moves the needle in your life and ditching the time-sucking distractions.
Key Methods and Approaches
Your Wallet's Leaky Faucet
(AKA: Frugality)
Description:
Stop spending money on dumb shit you don't need. Period.
Explanation:
Imagine your bank account is a bucket, and you've got a tiny hole in it. Every time you buy that extra latte or another fast fashion haul, it's like another drip. Franklin's saying, 'Plug those damn holes!' It's not about being a miser, it's about not letting your cash just evaporate into thin air on impulse buys. Be smart, not flashy.
Examples:
Bringing your own coffee instead of buying a $7 latte daily.
Cooking at home instead of ordering takeout five nights a week.
Unsubscribing from streaming services you barely watch.
Fixing something broken instead of immediately buying new.
Today's Action:
Open your banking app. Find one recurring expense or recent purchase that was totally unnecessary. Cancel it or promise yourself you won't buy it next week.
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